In the emerald heart of the Indian Ocean, where mist clings to ancient granite peaks and the wind whispers secrets of a bygone civilization, lies a story far more complex than the world has been told. For centuries, the Ramayana has been recited as a tale of victory for the North, painting the Lord of Lanka as a villain in the shadows. But to walk the soil of Sri Lanka is to tread upon the kingdom of the Maha Ravana—a ruler not of darkness, but of unparalleled wisdom, devout spirituality, and artistic brilliance.
This is not merely a trail of battles and abduction; it is a journey through the legacy of a scholar-king who mastered the skies with the Pushpaka Vimana, who composed music that moved the gods, and who protected his captive, Princess Sita, with the honor befitting an Emperor. As we peel back the layers of history and myth, we invite you to step away from the conventional narrative and explore the Ramayana Trail through the eyes of Lanka. Here, the stones still speak of a tragic love, a fierce devotion, and a King who never truly died—but merely waits in the slumber of the mountains.
The Legend of the Great Emperor: A Journey Through Ravana’s Lanka
1. Munneswaram Temple (Chilaw)
The Divine Absolution | Before the war could truly end, respect had to be paid. This ancient temple, pre-dating the Ramayana itself, is where Lord Rama sought solace after the battle. It is said that even Rama, the victor, was haunted by the weight of killing Ravana—a Brahmin of immense knowledge and a supreme devotee of Shiva. Here, amidst the chanting of mantras and the scent of camphor, Rama prayed to Lord Shiva for absolution, acknowledging the spiritual greatness of the King he had slain.
Google Map: View Location
Coordinates: 7.5808767751102915, 79.81656225628562
Distance: 3 km from Chilaw Town | 80 km from Colombo.
Nearby Attractions: Munneswaram Badra Kali Kovil, Chilaw Beach, Anavilundawa Bird Sanctuary.
Opening Hours: 5:30 AM – 8:00 PM (Daily).
Transport: Tuk-tuk from Chilaw town (approx. 300 LKR).
Tickets: Free. (Donations accepted; small fee for special poojas).
2. Manavari Temple (Chilaw)
The First Lingam | A few kilometers away lies Manavari, home to the Ramalingam. Following Shiva’s guidance, Rama installed this Lingam to wash away the sin of Brahmahatya (killing a Brahmin). It stands as a silent testament to the fact that Ravana was no ordinary enemy; his spiritual stature was so high that even the gods demanded penance for his death.
Google Map: View Location
Coordinates: 7.647518224329955, 79.83132971361255
Distance: 10 km North of Chilaw.
Nearby Attractions: Munneswaram Temple, Bangadeniya.
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM & 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
Transport: Tuk-tuk or Taxi (15 mins from Chilaw).
Tickets: Free.
3. Rama Setu (The Invasion Point)
The Horizon of the Vanaras | Stretching across the shimmering Palk Strait like a broken chain of pearls lies the Rama Setu. From a Sri Lankan perspective, this chain of limestone shoals is not merely a bridge; it is the scar of a great invasion. Legend holds that when Lord Rama could not find a way to cross the ocean to face the mighty Ravana, his army of Vanaras (warrior monkeys) engineered this colossal causeway.
Google Map: View Location
Coordinates: 9.086414027433234, 79.69787032658316
Distance: 30 km from Mannar Town.
Nearby Attractions: Talaimannar Lighthouse, Baobab Tree, Mannar Fort.
Opening Hours: 24/7 (Best visited in daylight 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM).
Transport: 4WD/Jeep is recommended for the sandy dunes. Navy boat rides are sometimes available but require prior permission.
Tickets: Free to view from the beach. Boat rides (if operating) cost additional.
4. Dolukanda (Kurunegala)
The Healing Mountain | A place of botanical wonder. When the monkey warrior Hanuman carried the Dunagiri mountain from the Himalayas to save Lakshmana, fragments of it fell across the island. Dolukanda is one such drop. To this day, this misty range harbors rare medicinal herbs found nowhere else in the tropics—a legacy of the life-giving force that permeates Ravana’s kingdom.
Google Map: View Location
Coordinates: 7.623043561516226, 80.40692399393168
Distance: 20 km from Kurunegala (Hiripitiya Village).
Nearby Attractions: Arankale Forest Monastery, Silver Temple (Ridi Viharaya).
Opening Hours: Daylight hours only (Hiking).
Transport: Private Vehicle to the base, then a strenuous hike.
Tickets: Free.
5. Sigiriya (Cobra Hood Cave)
The Fortress of the Clouds | Long before King Kashyapa built his palace, this massive rock plateau was associated with the House of Ravana. The Cobra Hood Cave, with its natural shelter, is believed to be one of the transit points where Sita was kept. High above the plains, surrounded by the safety of the rock, she was held not in a dungeon, but in nature’s embrace, protected by the King’s guards.
- Google Map: View Location
- Coordinates:
7.956236877975772, 80.75945768483524 - Distance: 17 km from Dambulla.
- Nearby Attractions: Sigiriya Lion Rock, Pidurangala Rock, Sigiriya Museum.
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM.
- Transport: Any Vehicle from Dambulla or Your Hotel.
- Tickets: Included in the Sigiriya Rock Ticket ($36 USD for Foreigners). You cannot buy a separate ticket just for the cave as it is inside the main complex.
6. Thirukoneswaram Temple (Trincomalee)
The Devotee’s Cleft | Perched on the edge of a sheer cliff dropping into the deep blue Indian Ocean, this is the ultimate monument to Ravana’s devotion. Legend says Ravana, in a display of strength and piety for his ailing mother, attempted to lift the entire temple rock. Lord Shiva, testing him, pressed down with his toe, trapping Ravana. In response, Ravana did not beg; he sang. He composed and sang the Shiva Tandava Stotram, a hymn of such power and beauty that Shiva, entranced, granted him an indestructible sword. The Ravana Vettu (Ravana’s Cleft) on the rock face remains a scar of that divine encounter.
Google Map: View Location
Coordinates: 8.582714757910864, 81.24543625555452
Distance: 3 km from Trincomalee City (Inside Fort Frederick).
Nearby Attractions: Lover’s Leap, Fort Frederick, Marble Beach.
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 6:45 PM.
Transport: Walk or Tuk-tuk (Tuk-tuks can drop you near the top).
Tickets: Free.
7. Sita Kotuwa (Hasalaka)
The Queen’s Palace | Before the war intensified, Sita was kept here in the palace of Queen Mandodari, Ravana’s wife. “Sita Kotuwa” (Sita’s Fort) was once a place of limestone caves and waterfalls. It reflects the civilized nature of Ravana—he housed Sita with his own queen, ensuring her safety and dignity, rather than isolating her in a prison.
Google Map: View Location
Coordinates: 7.344812274368343, 80.92951419563899
Distance: 12 km from Mahiyanganaya (Gurulupotha).
Nearby Attractions: Rathna Ella Waterfall, 18 Hairpin Bends Road, Sorabora Lake.
Opening Hours: Daylight hours (Hiking path).
Transport: Tuk-tuk from Mahiyanganaya to Gurulupotha Rest House, then a 1.5km trek.
Tickets: Free.
“Aho rupam, aho dhairyam, aho sattvam, aho dyutihi!”
Oh, what radiance! What courage! What strength! What splendor! If this Lord of Demons did not have Adharma (unrighteousness), he could have been the protector of the heavenly world.”
— Hanuman, upon seeing Ravana for the first time (Valmiki Ramayana)
8. Dunuwila / Dunuvila (Matale)
The Fatal Arrow | The name Dunu (Arrow) Wila (Lake) marks the tragic turning point. It is from this lake’s edge that Lord Rama fired the Brahmastra—the weapon that would finally fell the Great King. It is a place of somber beauty, where the water reflects the sky that once rained arrows.
Google Map: View Location
Coordinates: 7.616067586148383, 80.92335684104843
Distance: 40 km from Matale or Mahiyanganaya.
Nearby Attractions: Wasgamuwa National Park, Riverston.
Opening Hours: 24/7.
Transport: Private Vehicle (Remote location).
Tickets: Free.
9. Lakegala (Matale)
The Watchtower of the King | Rising like a pyramid into the sky, Lakegala was Ravana’s strategic watchtower. It is said that from this sharp peak, the King could survey his entire empire, from the eastern coast of Trincomalee to the northern plains. It was here, atop this jagged rock, that the final blow was struck. The rock’s unique shape is said to be the result of the cosmic energy released during the war.
Google Map: View Location
Coordinates: 7.466981519331683, 80.84006321271026
Distance: 50 km from Hunnasgiriya (Deep inside Knuckles Range).
Nearby Attractions: Meemure Village, Heen Ganga (River).
Opening Hours: Daylight hours (Hiking/Climbing).
Transport: High-clearance Van/Jeep is mandatory to reach Meemure.
Tickets: No gate fee, but a Local Guide is Mandatory for safety.
10. Yahangala (The Bed Rock)
The Sleeping King | This is perhaps the most sacred site for those who believe the legend is not over. Yahan (Bed) Gala (Rock) is where the body of the mighty Ravana was laid in state after the battle. His countrymen, weeping for their protector, paid their last respects here. Local legend whispers that his body was not burned but hidden away, deep within the earth, waiting for the time when Lanka needs him again.
Google Map: View Location
Coordinates: 7.40988060388913, 80.90595438952693
Distance: 35 km from Mahiyanganaya (Near Ududumbara).
Nearby Attractions: Kehelpathdoruwa, Knuckles Conservation Forest.
Opening Hours: Daylight hours.
Transport: Hiking only. Base reachable by Tuk-tuk from Ududumbara.
Tickets: Free (Guide highly recommended due to elephants in the area).
11. Weragantota (Mahiyanganaya)
The Ancient Airport | “The Place of Aircraft Landing.” In an era when the rest of the world walked, Ravana flew. This flat basin was the landing site for the Pushpaka Vimana, the peacock-shaped aircraft that Ravana used to traverse the skies. It stands as proof of the advanced technological civilization that thrived under his rule.
Google Map: View Location
Coordinates: 7.338250050174632, 80.9866877434872
Distance: 2 km from Mahiyanganaya Town.
Nearby Attractions: Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara (Ancient Stupa).
Opening Hours: 24/7.
Transport: Any Vehicle
Tickets: Free.
12. Chariot Path (Ramboda)
The Road in the Sky | High in the misty hills of the Ramboda Pass lies a barren strip of land where no trees grow. This is the Chariot Path, worn into the earth by Ravana’s magnificent chariot as he transported Sita to the safety of the hills. The red rhododendrons that bloom here, known as Sita Flowers, are said to have blossomed from the tears she shed—not of torture, but of the overwhelming emotion of her destiny.
Google Map: View Location
Coordinates: 7.084631129458365, 80.72389600933988 (Access via Frotoft Tea Estate).
Distance: 28 km from Nuwara Eliya.
Nearby Attractions: Ramboda Falls.
Opening Hours: Daylight hours (Best 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM to avoid mist).
Transport: 4WD Jeep is essential for the estate road, followed by a hike.
Tickets: Free (Estate permission may be required at the gate).
13. Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple (Ramboda)
The Searcher’s Vantage | On these hills, Hanuman stood searching for Sita. Today, a temple stands here, offering panoramic views of the Kotmale valley. It is a place of silence and wind, where one can imagine the monkey god scanning the verdant kingdom of the Rakshasa King.
Google Map: View Location
Coordinates: 7.074324639504493, 80.68042893973622
Distance: 30 km from Nuwara Eliya.
Nearby Attractions: Ramboda Waterfall, Blue Field Tea Factory.
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM.
Transport: Car/Bus/Tuk-tuk (Located directly on the A5 highway).
Tickets: Free (Donations appreciated).
14. Sita Amman Temple (Nuwara Eliya)
The Sanctuary of Ashoka | This colorful temple sits on the spot of the Ashok Vatika (Ashoka Grove). It was here that Ravana kept Sita, surrounded by cool streams and exotic flowers. He visited her, pleading for her love, but never forcing himself upon her—a restraint that defines his character as a noble lover. The stream flowing by the temple is where she bathed, and the rock face bears the circular depressions believed to be the footprints of Hanuman’s massive form.
Google Map: View Location
Coordinates: 6.933460246086558, 80.81050736604499
Distance: 5 km from Nuwara Eliya Town (Seetha Eliya).
Nearby Attractions: Hakgala Gardens, Gregory Lake.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM.
Transport: Any Vehicle or Bus (Nuwara Eliya – Welimada route).
Tickets: Free. Donation accepted.
History is written by the victors, but the mountains of Lanka remember the truth. Here, Ravana is not a demon to be burned, but an Emperor to be remembered. To walk this trail is to listen to the other side of the story.”
— TheWellness.Travel
15. Hakgala Botanical Gardens
The Pleasure Gardens | Part of the ancient Ashok Vatika, these gardens were designed to please the senses. Ravana, a connoisseur of beauty, ensured Sita was surrounded by the finest roses, orchids, and ferns. The garden’s microclimate is cool and misty, a sharp contrast to the heat of the plains, designed to make the Princess of Earth feel at home.
Google Map: View Location
Coordinates: 6.926796620617709, 80.82149380715097
Distance: 10 km from Nuwara Eliya.
Nearby Attractions: Sita Amman Temple.
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM.
Transport: Any Vehicle or Bus.
Tickets: 3,000 LKR for Foreign Adults | 1,500 LKR for Children.
16. Gayathri Peedam (Nuwara Eliya)
The Son’s Penance | This marks the site where Ravana’s son, Meghanath (Indrajit), performed the Nikumbala Yagna to appease Lord Shiva. Through his penance, he gained the ability to become invisible in battle. It reminds us that spiritual discipline ran deep in Ravana’s bloodline.
Google Map: View Location
Coordinates: 6.974450950498566, 80.77678319573621
Distance: 1.5 km from Nuwara Eliya Town.
Nearby Attractions: Pedro Tea Estate, Lover’s Leap Waterfall.
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
Transport: Tuk-tuk/Car/Van
Tickets: Free (Donation).
17. Divurumpola (Welimada)
The Fire of Truth | A place of heavy emotion. After Ravana’s defeat, Sita had to prove her purity not to Ravana, but to her own husband, Rama. At Divurumpola (Place of Oath), she underwent the Agni Pariksha (Trial by Fire). It serves as a subtle reminder that while Ravana was the “villain,” it was Rama who doubted her virtue. Ravana had protected her honor; Rama tested it.
Google Map: View Location
Coordinates: 6.903018837364333, 80.88495111234968
Distance: 4 km from Welimada | 20 km from Nuwara Eliya.
Nearby Attractions: Bomburu Ella Waterfalls.
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
Transport: Car/Van/Tuk-tuk.
Tickets: Free (Donation).
18. Ravana Ella & Caves (Ella)
The Underground Empire | The roaring Ravana Falls is just the facade. Behind and beneath this waterfall lies a network of man-made tunnels connecting to various parts of the island. These caves were an engineering masterpiece, allowing the King to move secretly and swiftly. It was in these cool, limestone caverns that Sita spent time, bathing in the waterfall—a princess living in the heart of a secret, subterranean kingdom.
Google Map: View Location
Coordinates: 6.864583797689796, 81.04866268733129
Distance: 6 km from Ella Town.
Nearby Attractions: Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak.
Opening Hours: Falls: 24/7 | Cave: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Transport: Tuk-tuk or Bus, then hike stairs to cave.
Tickets: Free
19. Nil Diya Pokuna (Ella)
The Azure Sanctuary of the Earth | Deep beneath the surface of the earth lies a secret known only to the King and his inner circle. Nil Diya Pokuna (The Blue Water Pond) is an architectural marvel of the Raksha tribe—a massive underground chamber located 80 meters down a hidden tunnel complex. Legend says that King Ravana, fearing for Sita’s safety as the war drums sounded, brought her here. He did not throw her into a dungeon; he gifted her a crystal-clear, blue-water pool, untouched by sunlight, where she could bathe in absolute purity and silence. It stands as a testament to Ravana’s mastery over the elements and his desire to shield the Princess from the chaos above. This was not a prison; it was a diamond hidden in the rock, a sanctuary where the water is as clear as the King’s conscience regarding his protection of her.
Google Map: View Location (Temporarily Closed)
Coordinates: 6.833637568770635, 81.0660623036574
Distance: 15 km from Ella.
Nearby Attractions: Ravana Falls.
Opening Hours: Daytime (Appointment basis with guide).
Transport: Tuk-tuk or taxi to Karandagolla school junction, then hike.
Tickets: 3,000 – 4,000 LKR per person (Includes mandatory guide, headlamp, and helmet). Warning: Extreme adventure, not for claustrophobics.
20. Ussangoda National Park (South Coast)
The Scorched Earth | A strange, barren plateau of red earth facing the sea. Legend says this was one of Ravana’s airports, later torched by Hanuman. The soil here remains red and devoid of large trees, a scar of the fire that burned the palace. Yet, it offers a majestic view of the ocean, the boundary of Ravana’s fortress.
Google Map: View Location
Coordinates: 6.100145014708633, 80.98811471481756
Distance: 27 km from Tangalle.
Nearby Attractions: Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary.
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Transport: Car/Tuk-tuk to enter then (Requires a vehicle to drive through the park).
Tickets: 1,500 LKR + Tax (Foreigners).
21. Rumassala (Galle)
The Himalayan Fragment | A sanctuary of healing. This promontory in Galle is the largest piece of the Sanjeevani mountain dropped by Hanuman. Even today, the vegetation here is distinct from the rest of the coast, rich in rare medicinal plants. It is a living remnant of the magic that once warred over this island.
Google Map: View Location
Coordinates: 6.0176190689204025, 80.24316752065882
Distance: 5 km from Galle Fort.
Nearby Attractions: Jungle Beach, Japanese Peace Pagoda.
Opening Hours: 24/7 (Peace Pagoda closes around 6:00 PM).
Transport: Car/Taxi
Tickets: Free.
22. Kelaniya Temple
The Coronation of the Betrayer | The journey ends near Colombo, at Kelaniya. After Ravana’s fall, it was here that Lord Rama crowned Vibhishana—Ravana’s brother who defected to Rama’s side—as the new King of Lanka. It marks the transition from the golden age of Ravana to a new era, leaving the great King to sleep in the history of the island, undefeated in spirit, awaiting his return.
Google Map: View Location
Coordinates: 6.95204831597562, 79.91834514292516
Distance: 10 km from Colombo.
Nearby Attractions: Colombo City (Lotus Tower, Gangaramaya).
Opening Hours: 24 Hours (Inner Shrine Room: 6 AM – 8 PM).
Transport: Uber/PickMe/Tuk-tuk or any vehicle from Colombo.
Tickets: Free.
The King Who Never Left
To travel this trail is to do more than visit a series of temples and caves; it is to witness the enduring spirit of a civilization that refused to be forgotten. As you stand on the wind-swept heights of Yahangala or gaze into the azure depths of the Nil Diya Pokuna, you will feel a presence that transcends ink and paper. You will realize that Ravana was not defeated by a lack of strength, but perhaps undone by the depth of his own complex destiny.
The Ramayana Trail in Sri Lanka is not a story of an ending, but of a lingering presence. The locals believe that the Great King still watches over his island, his energy woven into the waterfalls, the healing herbs of Rumassala, and the silence of the central highlands. We invite you to come and feel this energy for yourself. Walk the path, touch the earth, and listen closely to the wind—for in Sri Lanka, the legend of Ravana does not belong to the past. It is alive, it is breathing, and it is waiting for you.
Every stone has a story, and every story has two sides. We travel not just to see new places, but to see old legends with new eyes. In the silence of these caves, may you find the wisdom to judge less and understand more.
— TheWellness.Travel